WiMAX Technology | What is WiMax | WiMAX Explained | WiMAX Details in Technology

WiMAX is a wireless digital communications system, also known as IEEE 802.16, that is intended for wireless "metropolitan area networks". WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access (BWA) up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles (5 - 15 km) for mobile stations. In contrast, the WiFi/802.11 wireless local area network standard is limited in most cases to only 100 - 300 feet (30 - 100m).

With WiMAX, WiFi-like data rates are easily supported, but the issue of interference is lessened. WiMAX operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies, providing a regulated environment and viable economic model for wireless carriers.

WiMAX can be used for wireless networking in much the same way as the more common WiFi protocol. WiMAX is a second-generation protocol that allows for more efficient bandwidth use, interference avoidance, and is intended to allow higher data rates over longer distances.

The IEEE 802.16 standard defines the technical features of the communications protocol. The WiMAX Forum offers a means of testing manufacturer's equipment for compatibility, as well as an industry group dedicated to fostering the development and commercialization of the technology.

WiMax.com provides a focal point for consumers, service providers, manufacturers, analysts, and researchers who are interested in WiMAX technology, services, and products. Soon, WiMAX will be a very well recognized term to describe wireless Internet access throughout the world.

As a matter of fact WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access i.e. approximate accronym. Latest technology in its field. Earlier we were using technologies like WiFi, CDMA (Code divivsion Multiple Access)etc. But WiMAX is based on the latest so called technology OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). You might be eager to know that how this technology works, though it might me explained using technical words but in a simple language it can be stated that basically there are two parts a base station and a reciever.


Base Station: It is basically the place where the WiMAX tower is being set. The range of this tower is around 10km radius. i.e. a few towers will cover the whole city. Now this has various advantages. For example we often face problems with WiFi and CDMA while we are traveling as the range of these services is quite small and thus the device tries to catch one station or the other. But in WiMAX technology as the range is quite high so no more fuzzy network during travel. Other than this the speed is real high and we can transfer 100’s of MB within seconds.


Receiver: The work of receiver is quite simple. It is a kind of small instrument placed at the place where we want to receive the WiMAX network. With the receiver a router can be connected thus creating WiFi network within.

Advice: A tip for you guys, if you are going for any new gadgets, go for those which have built in WiMAX antennae.